Some foods are correlated with an increased risk of health conditions due to cancer-causing chemicals, or increased risk of heart disease due to impacts on cholesterol and blood pressure.
1. Processed meats, sausages, bacon, hot dogs, and cold cuts.
Processed meats are classified as carcinogens (cancer causing) by the World Health Organization.
Sodium nitrite found in many cured meats can contain or form molecules called N-nitroso compounds (NOCs). These NOCs have been shown to cause cancer. |
| Don't eat this stuff |
Eat, instead
Canned tuna or salmon, eggs. falafel. hummus. beans and legumes, cheese, leftover home-cooked chicken, beef or pork etc.
2. White bread
White bread is processed and both the bran and germ part of the grain are removed. This processing not only removes important nutritious elements of the food but increases the glycemic index and can cause large blood sugar spikes.
So white bread has fewer health benefits, it can also contribute to weight gain, insulin resistance, and increased risk of chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes and heart disease.
Eat, instead
Whole grain, seeded, rye, sourdough, and oat bread can contribute to heart health and cholesterol control.
Whole-grains contain dietary fibre, which helps keep us feeling full and studies show a reduced risk of excess weight and obesity, heart disease, type 2 diabetes and some cancers. |
| Whole grain, seeded, rye, sourdough, and oat bread can contribute to heart health and cholesterol control. |
3. Chips and french fries
Most chips and French fries are high in calories, saturated fats, and sodium. Consuming fried foods regularly can increase the risk of obesity, heart disease, and other chronic conditions.
Eat, instead
Many vegetables like carrots, zucchini, asparagus, green beans, sweet potatoes, avocado and even parsnip make delicious healthy fries.
Cooking these in a conventional oven, microwave or air fryer is a healthier option. See here for Microwave Potato Chips. And Sweet Potato Chips
4. Soft Drinks
Soft drinks, sports drinks, sweet tea, lemonade and energy drinks contain "empty calories," being highly processed and delivering little nutritional value. |
| Don't eat this stuff |
Drink, instead
Lemon or lime and a small amount of sweetener in sparkling water.
Water flavoured with slices of lemon, lime, cucumber, or oranges and a few mint leaves.
Iced green or black tea. |
| Water flavoured with slices of lemon, lime, cucumber, or oranges and a few mint leaves. Iced green or black tea. |
Processed foods, like ready meals, baked goods, and processed meats, are associated with negative health effects.
The most heavily processed foods are often frozen or premade meals, such as frozen pizza and microwaveable dinners, chicken nuggets, sweet breakfast cereals, ice cream, store-bought sweets, and canned soups.
Diets high in ultra-processed foods are associated with increased risks for premature death, cardiovascular disease, mental health disorders, diabetes, obesity, and sleep problems.
Whole foods in their original form or very close to their original form, like fruits, vegetables, grains, meats, fish, beans, nuts, and seeds.
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| Healthy food |
Thought of The Day
Believe you can and you're halfway there. Theodore Roosevelt